We decided not to go to Sesame Place today. Too long a drive for too short a time. Instead, we found a water park that was only about 30-40 minutes away in VA. It was OK, not great (especially compared to the one in Washington where we went in July). There were some nice long slides at the one today, but small kids weren’t allowed on them at all, even with a parent. So we ended up staying in the kiddie pool almost the whole time. There were some small slides that M went on several times, and a very short slide that A went on a few times too. Poor A – she has inherited her mother’s sense of adventure. I also took M on the lazy river for a while. That was fun, floating around the river on an inner tube with her lying on top of me. I think we both enjoyed that.

Due to the long drive, the girls had a late nap. Then they went to Trader Joe’s and Safeway with me, and we came home and grilled steak and pizza. We ate outside – lovely weather here, quite unusual for August.

We were listening to XM Kids today, and the DJ announced that today is National Tell A Joke Day. Out of the blue, A said, "When is it when an elephant sits on your fence? Time to buy a new fence!" I was so impressed that 1) she knew a joke; 2) she knew what a joke was and that it was appropriate for this situation; and 3) that she could remember the joke when she needed to. I can never remember a joke when I need one. Then M said, "What time is it when you build a new house? Time for a new house!"

I am not a particularly good cook, but I’ve made a few dinners lately, and M always says things to me like, "Thank you Mommy for making this dinner." "You make the best food ever." "I love everything you make." Then usual A echoes it. None of it is true, of course, but it is greatly appreciated.